Yemen Inaugurates Saudi-funded Development Projects in Hadramout Worth Over $266 Mln

SDRPY official Hasan Al-Attas explains the inaugurated projects to Al-Alimi and the accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
SDRPY official Hasan Al-Attas explains the inaugurated projects to Al-Alimi and the accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Yemen Inaugurates Saudi-funded Development Projects in Hadramout Worth Over $266 Mln

SDRPY official Hasan Al-Attas explains the inaugurated projects to Al-Alimi and the accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
SDRPY official Hasan Al-Attas explains the inaugurated projects to Al-Alimi and the accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), on Sunday inaugurated 20 development projects financed by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), totaling SAR1.2 billion (more than $266.6 million), in Yemen’s southeastern province of Hadramout.

Upon arriving in Mukalla , the capital of Hadramout, on Saturday, Al-Alimi underlined the commitment of the PLC and legitimate government to enhance the role of local authorities in all liberated provinces, as well as support security efforts, promote stability, and improve services.

His visit comes as an opportunity for him to meet with local leaders and residents to alleviate their suffering that has been exacerbated by the terrorist attacks carried out by the Iran-backed Houthi militias on oil facilities and international shipping routes.

In a press statement, Al-Alimi emphasized the commitment of the PLC and the government to bolster the role of local authorities in Hadramout and all liberated provinces.

He stressed that the PLC and government are looking to support local authorities in Hadramout in “their efforts to achieve security, stability, and improve services in a manner befitting the leading role of the governorate and its people in embodying the values of the state and promoting constructive coexistence in various fields.”

The projects inaugurated by Al-Alimi include the construction of a cancer hospital, the renovation of a university hospital, the construction of a 25-megawatt power station, and the construction of roads in Al-Mukalla, Seiyun, and other cities in the province.

The SDRPY is also funding the rehabilitation of the Al-Wadea border crossing with Saudi Arabia, the preservation of Shibam’s old city, the construction of two schools, the renovation of Seiyun Palace, and various agricultural and fishing projects.

Hasan Al-Attas, Assistant General Supervisor of the SDRPY, said the Hadramout projects are being carried out under the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He pointed out that his country is launching a package of vital projects and initiatives through SDRPY, with a value exceeding SAR 1.2 billion.



Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
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Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)

Saudi Ministry of Interior security spokesperson Brigadier General Talal bin Shalhoub stated that intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to Malaysian authorities enabled the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Anti-Narcotics Unit to thwart an attempt to smuggle 505.6 kilograms of ketamine.

Bin Shalhoub praised the ongoing operational coordination between the two nations in intercepting illicit drugs, emphasizing that this joint success reflects tight security integration to counter transnational organized crime networks, SPA reported on Friday.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia remains vigilant in tracking and dismantling criminal syndicates that target national security and youth with narcotics, continuing coordinated global efforts to protect societies from the illicit drug trade, SPA added.


UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
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UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a pardon on Friday for Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, who was convicted by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal on 27th August 2026 of the offences with which he was charged and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and a fine of AED200,000.

The ruling was first issued on August 27, 2026, after finding Al-Qaradawi guilty of the charges against him.

According to Friday's announcement, the necessary procedures have been taken to implement the presidential pardon.


Saudi Embassy: Closely Monitoring Condition of Saudi Citizen Stabbed in Mayfair

Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Embassy: Closely Monitoring Condition of Saudi Citizen Stabbed in Mayfair

Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Embassy in London (File photo, Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Embassy in the United Kingdom said Friday that it is closely monitoring the condition of a Saudi citizen who was stabbed in the Mayfair area, adding that it is coordinating with the relevant authorities and working to provide him with the necessary care and support until he is discharged from the hospital safely.

In a statement posted on its X account, the embassy said it was following up with the relevant security authorities on the circumstances of the incident.

It stressed the importance of expediting the investigation, uncovering all the details of the incident, holding those responsible accountable under the law, and taking the necessary measures to enhance the safety of citizens and visitors in public areas.

The embassy urged Saudi men and women to exercise caution and avoid carrying valuable belongings in public places. It also called on citizens to immediately contact the Saudi Affairs emergency hotline at 00447799519495 in case of an emergency.